Source for Square Drive Fasteners

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GZigmont

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Oct 9, 2019
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Fluid Motion Model
C-302 SC
Vessel Name
Jack
Where is the best source for the square drive fasteners used on the Ranger Tugs? I'm sure I can find one on my own and check places like McMaster Carr, but why reinvent the wheel? I've had a couple fail and corrode on my stern thruster after just one season. Replaced them with Phillips head, because that's what I had quick access to. I foresee a need to order a few in different sizes. A local fastener distributor here in Milford, CT, (The Nutty Company) doesn't carry square drive - just everything else.

Thanks in advance.
 
Best source for screws of any kind, but particularly square drive stainless is McFeely's. great catalog and decent prices.
good luck
 
Finding square drive screw heads in Stainless steel is not easy but there are many distributers that do sell them. The problem with most square head stainless steel screws is the Stainless is 18-18 or 304 grade. It is hard to find 316 grade with a square drive. Both 18-18 and 304 grade fasteners are stainless and have good corrosion resistance in many types of environments. The one environment that the integrity is compromised is marine use. Both 18-18 and 304 are ok if used above the water line in a boat or marine environment but both will be compromised if submerged in salt water. Both 18-18 and 304 fasteners are used widely in the marine industry because of cost. Less expensive and hold up well enough to stand the test of time WARRANTY!. In many applications the worst that happens is the 304 SS bleeds some rust or the or some minor corrosion is visually seen. When used in underwater applications the effects can be much greater. I have seen many fasteners 304 and 18-18 when used underwater (salt water) completely erode away. This is not over 10 or 15 years. If not sealed properly a couple of years. The evidence of the corrosion is not usually seen at the head of the screw it is the threaded area and shank of the screw that in many cases is completely eroded away and the clamping force of the fastener is no longer present.


I would not worry about the screw head driver (square head) As much as I would worry about the grade of the screw. As in the case of GZigmont the thruster fasteners were eroded after a season. I would bet money and I'm not a betting man that there are many thruster fasteners holding, swim platform support brackets, exhaust thru hull, trim tab, keel extension shoe and any other component fastened under the water and used in salt water that the integrity of the fastener is gone. 304 and 18-18 grade fasteners are not recommend for below the water line applications.

When ordering 316 fasteners. The advertised grade will be 316 but when you scroll down the full description of the fastener many times the material description will say 18-18 stainless. You will rarely find quality fasteners at hardware or big box stores. The best place is a good Marine Distributer.

https://www.albanycountyfasteners.com/
https://shop.marshfasteners.com/
 
Thank you, Brian. Good points.
 
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